NCLEX in West Virginia: IdentoGO fingerprints and a 90-day temporary permit
The West Virginia RN Board’s licensing requirements describe the exam pathway in four parts: a completed online application with the fee, Pearson VUE registration and payment, a state and federal background check through IdentoGO using the Board’s service code, and an optional 90-day temporary permit once your transcript and background check are processed.
Last checked October 2026. Based on the Board’s licensing requirements page and its administrative rule. The Board’s fee table was not available to us, and third-party figures differ, so confirm the application fee in the Nurse Portal.
The path for a new graduate
Submit the application through the Board's Nurse Portal with the required fee. The Board says to apply before taking the NCLEX.
Complete state and federal fingerprint checks through IdentoGO using the Board's required service code. All prospective RN licensees must complete a fingerprint background check.
Register and pay the exam fee directly with Pearson VUE. The Board's rule says an approved applicant submits the exam application directly to the contracted test service before the date they want to test.
Once the Board qualifies you, Pearson VUE issues your ATT.
The temporary permit
The Board says eligible exam applicants may request a 90-day temporary permit in the Nurse Portal after it has received your official transcript and processed your background check. A guide describes a provisional license that may be issued once everything except the background check is in, so confirm which applies to you.
Common questions
Is there a separate board for practical nurses?
A guide says West Virginia runs two boards. The Board of Examiners for Registered Professional Nurses licenses RNs, and a separate board licenses LPNs.
What about internationally educated applicants?
Guides say international RN candidates need CGFNS certification before the Board will authorize them to sit the NCLEX-RN. Contact the Board for current instructions.